Tokyo, Japan – November 8, 2025 – The highly anticipated sixth episode of the SANDA anime series, based on Paru Itagaki’s popular manga, aired today, plunging protagonist Kazushige Sanda further into his role as Santa Claus as he confronted the formidable Principal Hifumi Oshibu. The episode, titled “Santa Regains His Power but Faces Principal Oshibu’s Superhuman Strength,” delivered intense action and deepened the narrative’s exploration of childhood, adulthood, and belief.
The SANDA anime, produced by Science Saru, premiered in October 2025 and has quickly garnered attention for its unique premise set in a near-future Japan where the birth rate has drastically declined and children are considered national treasures.
Episode 6 Highlights: A Battle for Belief
Episode 6 centered on a pivotal confrontation between Sanda, in his Santa Claus form, and Principal Hifumi Oshibu. The narrative saw Santa striving to reclaim his full powers, which are intrinsically linked to the unwavering belief of children. This struggle is a core theme of the series, where Santa Claus, once a figure of hope, is now branded a dangerous threat by the adult-controlled society.
Principal Oshibu’s Unyielding Strength
Principal Oshibu proved to be a daunting adversary, possessing overwhelming superhuman strength. This enhanced power stems from the 92-year-old principal’s extreme efforts to defy aging, having rebuilt his entire body. The animation studio, Science Saru, was praised for its visceral depiction of Oshibu’s throbbing scars and seeping wounds, visually emphasizing his desperate attempts to maintain youth and power.
Santa’s Transformation and Mentorship
In a critical moment, Santa manages to overcome his performance anxiety related to his transformation by committing to act more like an adult. This mental shift resulted in a visually striking new athletic-wear inspired costume for Santa. However, the fight did not conclude with a definitive win for Sanda. Instead, the intervention of Toyo Tetsudome, the visibly elderly chief director of the school, diffused the intense situation. Her arrival marks a significant turning point, as she begins to establish a mentor-mentee relationship with Santa, promising a new dynamic in his journey and further exploration of adolescent growth.
Lingering Questions and Emotional Fallout
Beyond the action, Episode 6 also delved into the emotional complexities of the characters. A poignant post-credits scene depicted an “awkward and painful” conversation between Ono and Fuyumura. Their reunion highlighted how much they have both changed, making it difficult for them to reconnect as they once did. Fuyumura has developed other relationships, while the post-pubescent Ono shows a burgeoning interest in sexuality that Fuyumura cannot reciprocate. This scene powerfully conveyed the loneliness and isolation that can arise when young people develop at different rates than their peers.
The Broader Narrative of SANDA
The SANDA series, both manga and anime, is set in a near-future Japan grappling with an extremely low birth rate. Children are meticulously cared for and protected in boarding schools, and the traditions of Christmas are largely forgotten or viewed as dangerous. Kazushige Sanda, a middle school student, discovers he is a descendant of Santa Claus after his classmate, Shiori Fuyumura, breaks a seal on his hidden power, transforming him into a powerful, bearded Santa-figure. Together, they embark on a quest to find their missing friend, Ichie Ono, and rekindle the lost magic of Christmas. The series explores themes of identity, heritage, faith in humanity, and rebellion against conformity.
The manga, written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki (known for BEASTARS), was serialized from July 2021 to July 2024, concluding with 16 tankōbon volumes. The anime adaptation, praised for Science Saru’s animation and visuals, continues to unfold the compelling story on screen.
